FAQs

1. What are the main advantages of Benchmark Estimating Software over other estimating systems?
2. What are the benefits of using Benchmark Estimating Software over spreadsheets?
3. What types of businesses use Benchmark Estimating Software?
4. What types of estimates can Benchmark Estimating Software be used for?
5. Can Benchmark Estimating Software be networked?
6. Can Benchmark Estimating be deployed over Citrix or Remote Desktop Protocol?
7. How does Benchmark Estimating’s licensing work?
8. Do you offer training in the use of Benchmark Estimating Software?
9. What is included with my purchase of Benchmark Estimating Software?
10. Does Benchmark Estimating Software have a commitment to ongoing product development?
11. How can I evaluate Benchmark Estimating Software?
12. What other systems does Benchmark Estimating Software integrate with?
13. How can I purchase Benchmark Estimating Software

What are the main advantages of Benchmark Estimating Software over other estimating systems?

Benchmark Estimating Software is significantly easier to use than many other estimating systems. This is the primary reason why people select Benchmark Estimating Software over other estimating software systems. But what makes Benchmark Estimating Software so easy to use?

• Simplicity and intuitiveness are our main design goals. We invest considerable resources to ensure that all new features and improvements align with this strategy.
• Benchmark Estimating Software is designed by Estimators, it works the way Estimators think and we actively involve experienced Estimators in its continual development.
  • Our Director Robert MacDonald is a recognised leader in estimating processes. His world renowned knowledge and passion for making estimating easy emanate throughout the simple and intuitive features, but also in the unique, transparent nature of the Benchmark Estimating Software system.
  • Our sister company, MacDonald International, is one of the leading infrastructure estimating consulting (cost engineering) firms in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. This company brings together over 25 years of construction estimating experience in many industries and their extensive involvement in our development process ensures you will be using a system that works for real life estimating.

The renowned simplicity of Benchmark Estimating Software does not, however, limit its power or application. Another main differentiators is that our range of flexible features are unmatched by other estimating systems. All of our features (for example Auto Allocate, Routines, Power Routines, Variables, Sub-Items) have been driven by operational scenarios within our target markets. Whenever we design a new feature we do so to deliver on the industry need at hand, but also ensure it is flexible to suit every one of our users.

Benchmark Estimating Software minimises your risk. Our main differentiators explained above also mean that your company’s investment in a new estimating system involves much less risk when you select our software. If you opt for a system that is less user-friendly and/or less functional, you risk the fact that your users will stop using the system and ‘drift’ back to more manual methods. This not only results in a significant waste of time and money, it also means that you will have multiple estimating methods which introduce inconsistencies and errors in quotes.

What are the benefits of using Benchmark Estimating Software over spreadsheets?

• Stop errors in your estimates. It is a known fact that a lot of spreadsheet-based estimates contain errors. These errors can result in inaccurate quotes which can cost your business money. Benchmark Estimating Software eliminates these errors with our unique suite of features specifically designed for accuracy in pricing.
• Improved transparency of estimates. An estimate in a spreadsheet is almost impossible to review. With many linked cells and multiple worksheets, you lose transparency. The job of reviewing your estimate quickly becomes a very difficult job. Benchmark Estimating Software produces cost estimates that are very transparent and easy to check for maximum accuracy.
• Increased productivity. Many of our clients tell us that Benchmark Estimating Software helps to make their overall estimating process much faster than their previous spreadsheet-based estimating system. Features like Routines, Auto-Allocate, Sub-contractor Manager, Reporting and the automatic creation of Construction Programs have all been designed to save you time. You will not find these enhancing features in a spreadsheet, no matter how sophisticated.
• Improved cost control and knowledge management. Benchmark Estimating Software’s Libraries allow you to store and easily maintain your standard Resource and Item costs. This improves your cost control, the consistency of your estimating and retains the knowledge of your people in a secure system. Your Benchmark Estimating Software Libraries also have security measures to protect your data and give you control over which staff members can access and edit your costs.
• Better management reporting and integration. Having your estimating data in Benchmark Estimating Software’s central database enables better management reporting and better integration with your other business systems.

What types of businesses use Benchmark Estimating Software?

Any business that requires fast, accurate and consistent estimates can use Benchmark Estimating Software. Some of the major industries who already use our product include, asphalt, building and construction, civil, landscaping, local government, mining, precast concrete, road authorities, water and sewer.

In terms of the size of your business, accurate and consistent estimating is important for all scales of business.

Small business – An error in an estimate for a small business will affect your bottom line so it is important you get your quotes right every time. And for any small business that wants to grow, having a proper cost estimating and quoting system is critical.

Medium and large companies – Medium and large companies do more tenders than a small business. If every estimate has errors, regardless of how small, these errors can add up to a lot of lost money and lost opportunities. Having a consistent estimating system also improves conformity across the business and, as every estimate is in the same format, the job of reviewing an estimate is made much easier.

What type of estimates can Benchmark Estimating Software be used for? Can it be used for major projects as well as day-to-day quotes?

Yes. Benchmark Estimating Software is ideal for all project sizes.

Medium to large Projects can be estimated by adding items from your Item Library or importing a client’s bill of quantities. You can set up Sections that correspond to the work breakdown structure for each project.

Day-to-day quotes can be done quickly and accurately by running a Routine and answering questions about the job. Benchmark Estimating Software then builds your estimate for you and you can email the quote directly from the system.

Long-term Maintenance projects can also be done using Benchmark Estimating Software’s Power Routines.

Can Benchmark Estimating Software be networked?

Yes, Benchmark Estimating Software can be installed on a network. You simply place your Benchmark Estimating Software data file on your server and install the application on each user’s computer.

Can Benchmark Estimating Software be deployed over Citrix or Remote Desktop Protocol?

Yes it can.

How does Benchmark Estimating’s licensing work?

Benchmark Estimating Software is based on a concurrent licence system – this allows you to install Benchmark Estimating Software on as many computers/servers as you wish but the software can only be accessed by the number of licensees purchased, at any one time e.g. 10 concurrent licences could be installed on 20 computers but only used by 10 people at any one time.

To find out more about our licensing system and pricing, please contact us.

Do you offer training in the use of Benchmark Estimating Software

We offer a range of training courses for new and existing users of Benchmark Estimating Software. Our training courses help you get the most out of your estimating practices.

Individuals can attend a public training course or alternatively, we can visit you in your office and run a course for a group of people. We offer hands on training and work through real life examples with the support of experienced trainers.

The training courses that we currently offer include:

• New User Course- this course is designed for those users who have not used Benchmark Estimating Software before. It aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge that you need to prepare accurate estimates and Projects.
• Advanced User Course- this course is designed for those who have a good deal of experience using Benchmark Estimating Software but are keen to learn more about the advanced features of the software package. This course allows you to focus directly on the features that are important for you and your business
• Routine Writing Course- this course teaches you how to write Benchmark Routines and teaches you handy time saving tips for your estimates. Upon completion of the course, you will have a Routine that can be applied directly to your businesses’ day to day estimates.
• Fundamentals of Estimating Workshop- this course is independent to the Benchmark Estimating Software and teaches attendees the theoretical side of estimating. It is designed to be run in your office and can accommodate up to 20 of your employees.

Public course dates are regularly updated and you can apply to attend online.

What is included with my purchase of Benchmark Estimating Software?

Included with your purchase of Benchmark Estimating Software is delivery of the software via a download link, the first twelve months of software upgrades, the first 12 months of technical support from our help desk and upgrades to the supporting documentation.

We also offer extra services for businesses to help get Benchmark Estimating Software set up and working for you straight away. These services come at an additional cost and include implementation and consulting services as well as training courses.

Does Benchmark Estimating Software have a commitment to ongoing product development?

Benchmark Estimating is committed to helping you improve and streamline your estimating processes. Because of this we are constantly working on improvements and additions to the software. These changes often come about as a response to client requests but also as a result of changes in the wider marketplace. Some of the features we have developed in response to requests from our users include Regionalisation, our Takeoff Integrator, the Cartage Calculator and Microsoft Word Quote Templates.

If you have a suggestion for a feature you would like to see in Benchmark Estimating Software, please feel free to let us know.

How can I evaluate Benchmark Estimating Software?

You can evaluate the Benchmark Estimating Software system by requesting a staff guided demonstration and one of our professional team members will guide you through the package and can introduce you to features most relevant to your business.

What other systems does Benchmark Estimating Software integrate with?

Benchmark Estimating Software is designed to be streamlined with your existing business processes. It has built in features that allow you to import and export from Microsoft Excel, export Quotes and Reports to Microsoft Word and also export a construction program to Microsoft Project.

Benchmark Estimating Software contains purpose written exports to various other systems including Projection Scenario, Oracle Projects, Timberline and Microsoft Great Plains.

Benchmark Estimating Software also integrates with On-Screen Takeoff, allowing you to easily import a bill of quantities from this popular and powerful quantity takeoff system.

For more Benchmark Estimating Software features, click here. To find out more about how Benchmark Estimating Software can integrate with other systems, you can request a demonstration and one of our team members will walk you through the process.

How can I purchase Benchmark Estimating Software?

You can purchase Benchmark Estimating Software directly from one of our offices. Call or email us and we’ll either get you in touch with our partner in your area or provide you with a detailed quote for a solution that will suit your business.